MUSIC & FESTIVALS

Christina Aguilera"Liberation Tour"​Christina Aguilera is back after years out of the new music spotlight. Aguilera spent seasons on The Voice during its early years. Though she doesn't seem fond of the show's evolution through her opinions in interviews, Aguilera held her coach position due to her extraordinary vocal abilities. That doesn't distract from the years since her last album. 2012's Lotus was Aguilera's last album; the pop star retreated into motherhood and kept out of the television or charting spotlights.

Aguilera is back in 2018 with her new album Liberation. Even from the title itself, fans can tell this is a new side of Aguilera after her time away. The first single "Accelerate" features Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz on a Kanye-produced beat. Though the single itself didn't catch fire, the follow-up songs hinted more at the vocal range that fans fell in love with. "Twice" and "Fall in Line" featuring Demi Lovato demonstrated her powerhouse voice as well as attitude. Without the distractions of overly-worked backbeats, Aguilera began to show the naked, raw talent that encompasses her album marketing strategy. Used to seeing Aguilera hidden behind makeup, Liberation shows a natural side to the star. Her shoots show a natural makeup with very little flair similar to Lady Gaga's Joanne.

Phil Collins"Not Dead Yet! Tour" Phil Collins grew into fame during his time in the band Genesis when he replaced Peter Gabriel as the frontman. Afterwards, Collins' solo career took off to establish Collins as a high-selling rock artist. ​Besides his drummer role in Genesis, Collins' solo career includes major hits such as "In the Air Tonight" and Disney Tarzan's "You'll Be in My Heart." Collins also has an established acting career in addition to his music career. Named after his new memoir Not Dead Yet, Collins is embarking on his "Not Dead Yet! Tour" in 2018. This is his first major North American tour in twelve years, falling in line with the name of the tour and book. Collins has not released an album since 2010's Going Back, and there are no solid plans for a release this year.

Taylor Swift ferociously returned to the charts in 2017 with her first album in three years titled reputation. After public feuds that dragged around Swift's once-flawless character, reputation was the album to address her growth and struggles over the past three years. Its name and persona spoke for itself. The marketing strategy focused around black and red. Ads included the snake that Swift's Instagram account so famously swarmed with after her fallout with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Swift's entire tour personality also focuses around the dark. As her lead single "Look What You Made Me Do" stated, "I'm sorry, the Old Taylor can't come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, 'cause she's dead." reputation's lead-up to release was just that: aggressive, image-altering, and a little petty. Fans squirmed at the idea that the red-lipped. smiling girl who danced around in sun dresses and looked shocked when she won awards was truly gone.

However, the album itself spoke to a different Swift than the hype warned for. Though her album clearly discusses the trials that her reputation went through, Swift also continues to focus on that one thing that grounds all of her music: the importance of love. Throughout the past three years, while Swift herself has struggled in her career, she has also stumbled through her twentysomethings into true love. The album is not about West or Perry or what they made her do. Instead, Swift rips out the ugliness that hides in every young woman figuring s*** out and puts it on the record for fans to hear. She openly discusses sex for one of the first times in her career. She also swears; though not often, it's enough to once again demonstrate that she is grown and now unafraid.

Swift's 'reputation' World Tour will bring the alternate Swift persona around the world. However, Swift has also acknowledged that the tour will include old hits, as well, for longtime fans. The tour began in Arizona and will continue until early October.

​J. Cole announced his "KOD Tour" after releasing his 2018 album KOD. Young Thug will open for the majority of the tour dates, creating an epic lineup featuring two major hip-hop artists. The tour begins in August and heads through mid-October. J. Cole's KOD broke multiple streaming records when it was released in April. He explained that "KOD" stands for Kids On Drugs, King OverDosed, and Kill Our Demons. Each meaning reflects a different theme in the album. J. Cole battles with societal norms, such as social media, and disease, such as alcoholism, in KOD. Much like a majority of his lyrics, J. Cole's focus is observation of the world around him and those close to him that translate into internal critique and reflection. His serious tone welcomes critiques to call the star "preachy" in a way that Lamar evades, but J. Cole's talent and unique sound permeate KOD like this other records.

Two of the music industry's biggest stars align for the "On the Run II Tour" during 2018. After Lemonade and Becky with the Good Hair and 4:44 reflections, Bey & Jay are back as a power couple ready for a co-headlining blockbuster tour. Though Beyoncé has yet to drop an album since 2016, JAY-Z released 4:44 in 2017 around the time that their twins were born. This tour will certainly include many old hits from Beyoncè's catalog, as well as some potential new music foreshadowing her next album release. JAY-Z will most likely focus on 4:44, but fans are sure to hear his hits in conjunction with his wife's set, as well.

The tour's European leg kicks off in June and heads through July. The North American leg begins in late July and goes through early October. "On the Run II Tour" is the sequel to their 2014 "On the Run Tour."

​​Jason Aldean is one of the biggest male country artists and live performers in the genre. After a difficult 2017 that involved the Route 91 shooting while he was onstage, Aldean is back for his first full-length tour since the massacre. Aldean is known for his performative skills, captivating stadiums for years. His new album Rearview Town dropped in April. He is touring in support of his new album, and is bringing young stars Lauren Alaina and Luke Combs on the road. Aldean also just released the single "Drowns the Whiskey" featuring Miranda Lambert in May.

The "High Noon Neon Tour" begins in May and goes until late September. Purchase Jason Aldean tickets.

With warm summer days right around the corner, we’re here to get you ready for all of the upcoming music festivals you won’t want to miss. From EDM to hip-hop, rock and more, it’s time to grab your festie-bestie and start planning your next musical adventure!

Read below for a list of popular festivals & their lineups to ensure you don’t skip a beat.

Boston Calling Music Festival Boston, MA5/25-5/27Boston Calling Music Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in the Northeast. Not known for its consistent weather, the Northeast isn't a common place to hold music festivals, as other areas of the country are warmer and sunnier more of the year. However, come summertime, New England hosts Boston Calling in the heart of Massachusetts's capital. Boston Calling was originally held next to Boston City Hall in downtown Boston. As the festival grew in popularity, the fall and spring lineups changed to one spring lineup at Harvard Athletic Complex in Cambridge. More room and more entertainment - Boston Calling is now a full-fledged music festival with a Ferris wheel and more. In 2018, the festival goes over Memorial Day weekend. Eminem, The Killers, and Jack White are headlining. Other notable acts include Khalid, Portugal. The Man, Tyler, The Creator, and Paramore.

​BottleRock Festival Napa Valley, CA5/25-5/27BottleRock Festival takes the Napa Valley experience to another level with an entire music festival experience. BottleRock combines food and drink with music, and in doing so, it creates a higher-level festival that has gained popularity in recent years. BottleRock is known for its party as it's also known for its fine cuisine options and unique wine options available in Napa Valley. Therefore, BottleRock aims for a classy festival vibe with a slightly older crowd and a focus on amenities and the overall experience. Napa Valley boasts "more Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region on the globe," so BottleRock brings the reputation to light. 2018's headliners include Bruno Mars, The Killers, and Muse. Other notable acts include The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Snoop Dogg, and more. This year's BottleRock is over Memorial Day Weekend.

Governors Ball New York, NY6/1-6/3​​Governors Ball is held on Randall's Island running parallel to New York City's Manhattan. Randall's Island is used for a handful of major music festivals, and Governors Ball is one of the most popular. The festival began just shy of ten years ago in order to create a contemporary music festival in NYC. Due to limited space in the actual city, Randall's Island became the perfect spot separate from the business while still a transportation or bridge walk away from the bustling area. Governors Ball hosts a myriad of other activities during the festival similar to other large-scale festivals including silent discos, photo booths, and more. Street artists from around the city feature their art on the grounds, as well. The 2018 lineup includes Jack White, Travis Scott, and Eminem with other notable performances by Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Halsey, Khalid, CHVRCHES, and more.

​Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, TN6/7-6/10​Bonnaroo is a major camping festival that owns the space for overnight music festivals. Though fans do not have to camp to enjoy Bonnaroo, it is part of the outdoor festival experience in warm and humid Tennessee. Bonnaroo is known for its dedicated music fans and an atmosphere that takes into account the nature surrounding the grounds and on the grounds, as well. The Bonnaroo activities include this theme such as yoga classes, 5ks, "The Well," and other active events that encourage Bonnaroo's mission.The eco-friendly and wholesome, healthy focus is something that Bonnaroo prides itself in. Bonnaroo is also unique because it's four days long as opposed to other festivals that are typically three days long. 2018's headliners include Eminem, The Killers, and Muse. Other stand-outs are Future, Bon Iver, Khalid, Paramore, and Dua Lipa.

​Firefly Music FestivalDover, DE6/14-6/17​Firefly Music Festival is similar to Bonnaroo, as it's a popular camping music festival that holds earthy roots while celebrating some of the most iconic musicians on this generation. Firefly has different sections for guests' entertainment including The Brewery, The Coffee House, The Market, The Thicket, and The Nook. Each serves a different purpose whether it's music, shopping, or relaxation. Firefly is held at The Woodlands in Dover, Delaware. Firefly is also four days long, making it a longer music festival. 2018 headliners include Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar. Other major artists include Logic, The Killers, Lil Wayne, and SZA.

​Vans Warped Tour 6/21-8/5​After decades as alternative music's biggest touring festival, Vans Warped Tour is going on its last full-length tour run this summer. The "Final Full Cross Country Tour" embarks in late June and goes through early August. Warped Tour began in 1995 and is the largest traveling music festival in the U.S. Genres included in the tour are pop, rock, punk rock, and sometimes hip-hop. Therefore, though Warped Tour is focused on rock, other genres have certainly been included in the lineup in the past for an eclectic feel. Major artists who have performed on Warped Tour include Linkin Park, Yellowcard, Bebe Rexha, and more. In 2018, major performers include Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Simple Plan, and We the Kings.

​Lollapalooza Chicago, IL8/2-8/5​Lollapalooza is one of the most historic festivals, as it began in 1991. The original Lollapalooza is in Chicago, IL, where Lollapalooza is still held every August. However, Lollapalooza now also has some international locations, as well. Lollapalooza is held in Grant Park in the heart of Chicago. It celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2017. The lineup is a mix of everything: indie, hip-hop, rock, pop, EDM - similar to many other major music festivals across the country. In 2018, headliners are The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, and Travis Scott. Other notable performers include Logic, Post Malone, Vampire Weekend, Khalid, and more.

​Electric ZooNew York, NY8/31-9/2​Electric Zoo is a major EDM music festival that takes place in Randall's Island in New York City. Electric Zoo began in 2009, and sister festivals have been held in Mexico City, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Each year has a theme, and 2018's is "The Big 10" after 2017's "The 6th Boro." 2018 is EZoo's 10th birthday, and the theme name resembles the 10th anniversary. Electric Zoo is over Labor Day weekend in early September. It combines the ultimate icons from all subgenres of electronic music. The party is crazier, the decorations are bolder, and the Electric Zoo experience is more electric than many other music festivals.

'Tis the season for warm summer nights and country concerts. Whether your specialty stays in the tailgate parking lot or sings the word to every song, country concerts truly bring life to venues in the summertime. The biggest country artists purposefully plan major tours touring the summer to experience the electric crowds, and this time of year is no different. Most charting country stars are gearing up for their Summer 2018 tour trips including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, and many more. Here is an overview of the most-anticipated country tours to watch for:

Luke BryanLuke Bryan continues his "What Makes You Country Tour" through the summer and into September. Major special guests will also join him on his stadium tour stops including Sam Hunt and Jon Pardi. "What Makes You Country Tour" is hitting stadiums after a first leg in late winter. After early summer dates, the tour will pick up again from August through September. Bryan is making the most out of the summer tour potential, and his huge country guests for his stadium dates will certainly be crowd pleasers. The stadium dates are scattered throughout the summer and fall months.

​Jason AldeanJason Aldean is embarking on his "High Noon Neon Tour" beginning in mid-May. This will be his first major summer tour since last October's Las Vegas shooting during the Route 91 Harvest Festival when Aldean was onstage performing. The "High Noon Neon Tour" is named after a song on his upcoming album that is yet to have a solid release date, but fans can anticipate a new album sometime this year. Aldean is one of the biggest male country performers in the genre. Openers include Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina, two younger country stars that'll join the summer tour this year.

Chris StapletonChris Stapleton revives traditional country roots throughout his music. Stapleton's songwriter-turned-performer Nashville story has touched many in the industry, and it is one of the many reasons that the country star has become so successful since his debut album Traveller dropped in 2015. "Tennessee Whiskey" and "Nobody to Blame" are hits off of the debut album. In 2017, Stapleton released the two-part From a Room split into From A Room: Volume 1 and From A Room: Volume 2. Stapleton is back on the road this summer and fall for the "All-American Road Show," a tour title continued from his 2017 tour run. Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb will open for him on the tour. With his iconic beard and gritty vocal tone, Stapleton is a country star not to miss live.

​Kenny ChesneyKenny Chesney is arguably the biggest country performer currently touring. His huge stadium shows and electric energy have sparked an enormous fan base for the singer. Chesney is embarking on his "Trip Around the Sun Tour" this summer. Beginning in late April and heading through August, the "Trip Around the Sun Tour" will feature Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett, and Brandon Lay. These openers are major country artists in their own right, so to join the tour with Chesney forms a lineup that resembles a tiny festival. A Chesney concert is country on its greatest stage at the highest level of performance.

Miranda Lambert & Little Big TownCan we hear it for our country women? Miranda Lambert is touring with Little Big Town this summer. Though the venues aren't stadiums, Lambert is still touring in support of her 2016 album The Weight of These Wings. After touring in 2017, Lambert is back with Little Big Town for a co-headlining tour. "The Bandwagon Tour" begins in mid-July and goes through late August. With Lambert's storytelling and Little Big Town's honky-tonk sound, the co-headliner tour will be a perfect collaboration.

Kendrick Lamar's Opening PerformanceKendrick Lamar is a hip-hop shark who continues to press a political agenda forward through his music. This opening performance on the Grammys continually demonstrates his ability to plot out live performances with unique elements and diverse visual elements. Lamar brought Bono out for "XXX" and inserted Dave Chappelle commentary twice without drawing too much attention away from Lamar's musical elements.

U2 Performing on the HudsonU2, much like Lamar, made a career out of social issues commentary and an outspoken liberal mindset. Though U2 is decades into their career and losing steam, and epic performance on the Hudson River reinforced a lovable quality of U2. You might not buy their album or tour tickets, but U2 continues to fight for equality inside and outside of the studio.

​"1-800-273-8255" by Logic, Khalid, and Alessia Cara"WHO CAN RELATE?! WHOOOO!" That phrase became a major pop culture asset in 2017, driving the positive influence of "1-800-273-8255," a song named after the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid teamed up to perform their hit: a mellow, smooth pop/hip-hop crossover that drives home the point without holding a depressing sound. The young stars represent the future of pop and hip-hop. Alessia Cara took home Best New Artist at the Grammys last night, while Khalid was also nominated in that category. ​

Kesha & the "Me Too" Movement​Kesha could very well take credit for sparking the discussion of sexism and sexual assault in the music industry. After legally facing up against Dr. Luke, a former Sony executive and pop hitmaker, Kesha's lawsuit loss sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Huge artists like Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and Taylor Swift all donated or made statement regarding Kesha's situation. That was years ago. In 2017, Kesha resurfaced with her raw, country-influenced 'Rainbow.' 'Rainbow' also includes many pop hits, as well, in addition to a series of battle-cry ballads that argue for her strength and revival of her music career. Kesha's performance of "Praying" was rough - shaky and not always on pitch. However, that in itself was the point. Surrounded by other female musicians supporting her, Kesha sang her battle cry on music's biggest stage. Lawsuit and finances aside, Dr. Luke was sitting in a hotel alone watching while Kesha took back her career, and in turn, her life.

Childish Gambino & J.D. McCrary​Slow and sensual. Childish Gambino, or Donald Glover for those who know his acting career, sang "Terrified" last night in a bluesy, laidback performance. His band members seemed as cool and collected as he was. However, nothing beats the impressive performance by J.D. McCrary. McCrary stars in 'The Lion King' alongside Childish Gambino, and his addition to the performance wowed audience members. McCrary's vocal talents are flawless. The pair created one of the most impressive yet minimal performances of the night.

Biggest Letdowns

Bruno Mars Sweeping Record of the Year, Song of the Year & Album of the YearMars stole the show from Lamar, and not in a good way. Was '24 Magic' fun? Did it rock the radio? Is Mars one of this generation's ultimate live performers? Yes to all of the above. However, Lamar continues to execute some of the most rich and razor-sharp raps available for hip-hop fans. But that's just it: Lamar's talent is lost on the mainstream audience. Mars can make your head bop to "Condo in Manhattan," while Lamar's commentary on FOX News isn't going to fly with every listener. "Des... paaaaaaaa...." Oh, no. It's not that the song isn't a hit. It's not that the Spanish song isn't super important for a country that is quickly growing a large Spanish-speaking population. However, the performance screamed Spanish stereotypes, and it did little to show the depth of Latin music on music's biggest stage. Yes, "Despacito" gets everyone on their feet. However, the performance needed to be a little less Vegas residency and a little more Grammy stage.

Sam Smith Is His Own Worst EnemySam Smith made us fall asleep last night. His high vocal range is immense, and his talent is indisputable. However, the white overcoat and choir made Sam Smith the same he was last year and the year before that and the year before that: dull.​We highlighted the most popular category nominees during ourGrammys nominations post. Below are the updated winner results from last night's Grammy Awards:

​​17. NBA Championship: King James Bows to Durant & CompanyThe 2017 NBA Championship was a showdown of two dominant NBA franchises: the Golden State Warriorsand the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron James, former Cavs player Kyrie Irving, and more star players stacked up on the Cavs bench. On the Warriors bench, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green created a dominant part of the starting lineup. During Game 1, the Warriors swept the Cavs 113-91. The results were similar for Game 2, leading Cavs fans to scratch their heads and create frown lines. When Game 3 also went to Durant & Co., the NBA Finals looked to be a bust. However, the Cavs pulled out a win in Game 4, keeping momentum moving into Game 5. The Cavs fell to the Warriors in Game 5 with a final score of 129-120.

The Warriors won their fifth franchise championship due to the leadership of Durant and Curry. Durant scored 39 points in Game 5, and Curry held up with 34 points. Though James was not quiet with an astounding 41 points, it wasn’t enough to make the NBA Finals a fighting series. The Warriors won on their home court Oracle Arena.

Get tickets to see both teams duke it out against this year with differing lineups and a legacy to maintain.

16. Beyoncé’s TwinsThe Internet just about broke when Beyoncé finally announced her twins with an over-the-top pregnancy photo shoot. Months later, she gave birth to Rumi and Sir Carter in June, weeks before her husband JAY-Z’s4:44album release. Talk about PR. Beyoncé’s African American female superstar status is cemented, and the social media hype around her new children is just another example showing her influence. Rumi and Sir Carter join older sister Blue Ivy in the now five-person family.

There’s no doubt: that family slays no matter what they’re focused on. Beyoncé’s baby bump was the talk of the year.

15. New England Patriots Are A Fourth Quarter Team (And Super Bowl Champions)It was one of the most spectacular and shocking ends to a Super Bowl game. After Lady Gaga put down her mic, the New England Patriots showed up for the end of Super Bowl LI with a point to prove. The Atlanta Falcons were up 21-3 at the end of the first half, making little progress to change the difference by the end of the third quarter (28-9). However, the Patriots surged with 19 points in the fourth quarter, tying the game 28-28 to send it into overtime. The Pats pulled out 6 points in OT to win Super Bowl LI 34-28.

No matter how you feel about the franchise or QB Tom Brady, that immense comeback cannot be underestimated. It truly defined athletic intensity and talent, as Brady led his team to yet another Super Bowl title. Falcons fans were left in disbelief at the GOAT and his team of Super Bowl Champions.

14. Adele Pours A Glass Of LemonadeAdele won Album of the Year in addition to several other Grammys during the 2017 Grammy Awards. She released 25 after years away from the spotlight due to stage fight and a desire to live a peaceful, day-to-day life. 25 crashed the charts, bringing the deep, powerful vocal range of Adele to the forefront similarly to 21. Beyoncé also released a stunning album in 2016 nominated for Album of the Year. Lemonade includes the attitude that Beyoncé wields like a weapon in addition to a social compass and raw exorcism of her marital struggles. This includes JAY-Z’s infidelities. The mixture exemplified a powerful celebrity who also suffers the woes of average human conflict and African American womanhood. Beyoncé also celebrates her culture and heritage, raising up the African American community around her.

It is for these reasons that the beauty of 25 did not live up to Lemonade for many reviewers. Adele seemed to agree, dedicating her entire speech to Beyoncé and Lemonade. It was a moment of communal female respect in an industry of competition.

13. Solar Eclipse…Otherwise known as the day everyone decided to stare at the sun with weird glasses. The solar eclipse was one universal, special time when the world gathered together in fields, in parking lots, and all across the country to watch moon sneak in front of the sun. Warning: without special glasses witnessing a solar eclipse can cause eye damage. Hence the special, funky glasses everyone was adorning. In some parts of the world, the world became dark during the eclipse. Other parts just saw a slight dim in the average light during the day. No matter the eclipse’s effect, it truly brought together the country for a moment in a special natural event that demonstrates how awesome nature can be.

12. Floyd Mayweather Shows Conor McGregor Who Boxes BestIt’s known as “The Money Fight.” Floyd Mayweather Jr., a boxing legend, agreed to come out of retirement to fight Conor McGregor, a flashy, successful MMA fighter. McGregor had never boxed professionally in his life, and he challenged Money Mayweather to a fight like no other. Many critics believed there was no real value in the fight, as the two come from separate training backgrounds and don’t match up as good opponents. Nonetheless, the fight lived up to its “Money Fight” title. Mayweather kept his undefeated record, and both walked away with bigger checks than one could fathom. Late August 2017 saw “The Monday Fight” go down in history.

11. Harry Styles Is Now A RockstarHarry Styles is a member for the British boy band One Direction who began his solo career in 2017. In March, he released his first solo single “Sign of the Times” that demonstrated a major stray from the clean, pop sound of his boy band days. Styles The Solo Artist draws inspiration from ‘60s-‘80s rock, from David Bowie to the Beatles to The Rolling Stones. His debut, self-titled album was released in May among a flurry of attention. His Saturday Night Live debut solo performance matched his rocker talent, and a new rockstar was born. Though the shoes of the greats are certainly a few sizes bigger than Styles’s, the talent and swagger is there. Styles embarked on an intimate fall tour at smaller venues throughout the country. In 2018, he will begin a major stadium tour with country artist Kacey Musgraves as his opening act.

10. Hamilton Announces National TourHamilton is a record-breaking musical that delves into the life of Alexander Hamilton. The creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, created the musical with a diverse cast and unique vantage point of one of the Founding Fathers. After years of sold-out Broadway shows, Hamilton is touring the U.S. indefinitely. There are dates in most major cities in the country. This includes a new promise by Miranda to bring Hamilton to Puerto Rico in 2019 as a way to raise funds after the hurricane devastation this year. Miranda does just that; he combines his awareness, social and political standings, and overall theatrical intelligence in his career path. Hamilton’s National Tour will bring the story to so many more people in order to further share Hamilton's Broadway legacy.

9. A Seven-Game World SeriesThis year’s World Series saw the Houston Astros play against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It will also go down as one of the most iconic World Series in history. The Astros eventually won the World Series 4-3 in Game 7, leading to yet an end to another team’s drought (Cub’s 2016 World Series win). The Dodgers won the first game of the Series 3-1, and it looked inevitable that the Dodgers would walk away with the World Series Champion title. Then, the Astros surged in Game 2, winning 7-6 in an epic showdown. The Astros continued to plug forward in Game 3 winning 5-3. However, the Dodgers battled in Game 4 and won 6-2. Game 5 was the most notable game of the Series, as ten innings led to a major showdown with homers galore. The Astros pulled out a 13-12 victory, but it would be a game that both teams would look back on as the Game of the Series. Game 6 evened out the Series with a 3-1 win for the Dodgers. The Astros won Game 7 5-1 on November 1st. Astros’ player George Springer was a leading force all season, and that didn’t change for the playoffs. He ended the Series with 5 homers, tying a record. In Game 7, Springer was a major asset with a two-run homer to push the Astros to their World Series Champion status. All in all, the 2017 World Series left baseball fans with a reaffirmed appreciation for America’s favorite pastime.

8. Geno Auriemma’s 1000th Career WinGeno Auriemma is the Head Coach of the UCONN Women’s Basketball team. For anyone familiar with college basketball, the UCONN Women are a talented squad. But frankly, “talented” isn't remotely good enough to describe the legacy of UCONN Women’s Basketball. With eleven National Championships and winning streaks that surpass all other sports, the team is as iconic as they are intimidating. Auriemma is the mastermind behind the legacy. After beginning to coach the team in the ‘80s, Auriemma transformed the UCONN Women’s Basketball program into the dynasty it is today. Auriemma also finished an eight-year term at the U.S. National Team’s Head Coach, winning the gold medal in 2012 and 2016. In 2017, Coach Auriemma achieved his 1,000th career win at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. During the Women’s Holiday Showcase that featured UCONN vs. Oklahoma, UCONN easily won the game 88-64. It was a major milestone for an iconic figure in all of sports, collegiate or professional.

7. Ben Platt’s Casted Arm and Tony-Winning RoleBen Platt was the lead in the Tony-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen. After leaving his role at the end of 2017, the musical had skyrocketed in popularity. Platt’s acting talent combined with the musical’s success quickly made Dear Evan Hansen a hotspot on Broadway. Platt left his lead role in November, replaced by Noah Galvin. Though Platt might not be in the musical, Dear Evan Hansen still soars with its updated cast. The musical is about a boy who bullies Evan Hansen and commits suicide. After this death, his parents find a fake note among their son’s belongings that makes them believe Evan and their son were actually friends. Evan plays along with this theory instead of admitting their son was his tormentor. The effects to follow delve into high school in the modern age with social media at the forefront. Dear Evan Hansen will be a millennial classic years down the line, pulling on heartstrings while telling the story of fitting in at high school in 2017.

6. A Royal EngagementPrince Harry announced his engagement to Meghan Markle, an American who will be wed the Prince of England in 2018. Like any major royal news, the excitement flooded the entire world. Prince Harry used to be one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, and his decision to settle down now marks both children as taken men. Much like the addition of children to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s family, the positive news is welcomed in a time of disagreement and unrest. The Monarchy’s beloved traditions continue to represent a fairytale life for those who wish to believe in it.

5. Taylor Swift Doesn’t Give A Damn ‘Bout Her Bad reputationTaylor Swift released her new album reputation in November 2017. To say that it created shockwaves in the music industry would be to discredit its ferocious attack on pop music and media culture as a whole. While Swift remains in the boundaries of standard pop, using Caribbean backbeats and EDM sequences, her lyrics are pointed. “Look What You Made Me Do” is the lead single off of reputation. After it was released in August, the song made many reviewers ponder what exactly Swift’s new trajectory would be. The song fought back against the haters and placed blame on others instead of herself for her public image downfall. It seemed petty and tired and confused. “…Ready For It?” followed with its attempt at hip-hop. Both seemed flat for a Swift three years in the making who survived feuds with fellow celebrities and overall media scrutiny. “Gorgeous” and “Call It What You Want” were the album’s last two singles before the album release. As the singles continued to drop, Swift seemed to soften. At the end, there is a love story fighting against all odds of the outside world. One thing is for certain: the old Taylor, with her doe eyes and candy-cane outlook, is no longer. Instead, a cynical, rougher Swift remains who represents many twentysomething girls who are fighting a battle with the world to discover their happiness. For its blips, mistakes, and give-no-fucks attitude, ‘reputation’ and the New Swift are here to stay.

4. Frozen: The Musical Begins PreviewsFrozen is a 2013 Disney movie that quickly became Disney’s latest sensation. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel starred as the voices for Elsa and Anna, respectively. The sisters are separated at a young age due to Elsa’s magical, icy powers. When Anna goes to find her estranged sister in Elsa’s ice palace, the adventure truly begins. Frozen now has taken its story of family, love, and loyalty to the stage! Frozen: The Musicalis the newest sensation to Broadway. The musical previewed in Denver in 2017, marking the beginning of the latest Disney musical installment. Frozen: The Musical will officially begin on Broadway during the thematically-frigid month of February 2018. The hype is freezing, and you want to be there to see the hit Disney movie come to life!

3. Venus Williams Reaches Wimbledon Final At Age 37Venus Williams is sisters with Serena Williams. The Williams sisters have built a tennis dynasty in the female division and all across the tennis world. After countless wins and trophies, Venus and Serena have consistently commandeered top spots in women’s tennis. Serena stopped playing recently to have her child. Venus took a turn in the spotlight in 2017. Though she did not walk away with a Wimbledon win or major 1st place finish, Venus proved something that many athletes’ careers don’t allow for: age is just a number. At age 37, Venus reached the Wimbledon final. This is a record for women’s tennis and proves just how talented the tennis player is. Women’s sports are often over-dominated in the news by their male counterpart sport, but the Williams sisters have helped women’s tennis gain a recognizable foothold in sports media. Congrats to Venus’s 2017 successes that reinforces that “Playing like a girl” is compliment.

2. A Reminder to “Be Humble:” Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN.Kendrick Lamar released his new album DAMN. in 2017. This album follows the critically-acclaimed To Pimp A Butterfly that dives into hood culture from his hometown, Compton, as well as racial tensions in America. DAMN. strays a little towards pop in comparison to TBAP, but it still carries a political message. DAMN.includes clips from FOX News discussing the influence of hip-hop music on African Americans. In addition, Lamar shares an anecdote interweaving his father’s life with his Top Dawg Entertainment record label executive’s. The balance is personal yet outward-facing. DAMN. reasserted Lamar’s reign as King Kendrick in hip-hop. From the twangy, radio-moldable “HUMBLE.” to “DUCKWORTH.,” Lamar plays with R&B and pop influences without losing his hard hip-hop sound and thematic relevance. It certainly is a shining moment in 2017 music.

1. The Human Spirit In A World Of Hurricanes, Concert Bombings, and **** Hitting the Fan2017 has been a rollercoaster to say the least. From the Las Vegas shooting and Ariana Grande concert bombing to Hurricane Irma and Harvey, the world can seem like a terrifying place. However, no matter the dark moment or tragedy, every situation demonstrated good people willing to help out in a time of need. From celebrity disaster relief fundraisers to the silent police and firefighter heroes, there are many people out there looking to contribute good to the world. Happy 2018, and remember...

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”–J.K. Rowling

"Nobody pray for me... even a day for me..." This year of music rivaled the prior year in a beastly manner that brought to light political and social viewpoints as well as progressions in individual genre stylings. The tumultuous nature of 2016 and 2017 encouraged artists to speak up through their craft. Fans saw many standing for a cause or merely adding to their catalog of music in new and interesting ways. From Kendrick Lamar's first line of "HUMBLE." to Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid's thoughtful "1-800-273-8255," artists everywhere made statements.

This was not an easy feat after last year's Grammys featured the likes of Beyoncé's Lemonade and her sister Solange's A Seat at the Table. The 59th Grammys also revived powerhouse vocalist Adele with 25. However, 2017's artistry did not disappoint amongst its fierce and recent competitors. Bruno Mars brought the entire country to its feet for 24K Magic, an album that sounded more like a groovy, '80s R&B record than a contemporary album. Kendrick Lamar hovered between pop and hip-hop for DAMN., an album that shows off his raw talent as much as his storytelling abilities. JAY-Z resurfaced for a reflective 4:44, shedding the toughest of his skins to reveal remorse, maturity, and the importance of family in a post-Lemonade era.

Then there were new bouts of talent on the rise. Khalid released American Teen that handles the usual topics of love, heartbreak, and growing pains but in a unique vocal tone that cast him in the up-and-coming spotlight. However, the most satisfying New Artist nominee goes to SZA: the first female R&B artist under Top Dawg Entertainment. For hip-hop fans, this label sticks out due to its connections with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and more major hip-hop sharks throughout the decades. SZA's debut album CTRL is a raw, unapologetic look into the life of a twentysomething. This includes a tumultuous love life and complicated relationship with self-love and self-worth.

The 60th Grammys will take place on Sunday, January 28th. Here are the 60th Grammys Nomination highlights:

The King of Bachata, Romeo Santos announced a North American tour in support of his latest album Golden to go on sale Friday, November 24, 2017.

Since Aventura hit pause, the front man has been busy churning out chart toppers and selling out stadiums. In 2014, Santos grabbed another number one slot – the first Latin Solo artist to sell out Yankee Stadium for two consecutive nights. Santos’ admiration of Bachata fuels his personal style, despite the fact that it wasn't trendy when he was growing up in the Bronx. “The King” has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry but remains true to his first love – Bachata, bringing other artists into his world to produce an organic sound.

The New York native will kick off his “Golden” tour with a home town show February 15, 2018 at Madison Square Garden and will conclude April 6, 2018 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. Go with Galaxy and see Romeo Santos live, click here!

​Bob Dylan has announced another installment of his so-called “Never Ending” tour.

The 76-year-old singer will hit the road in October and make his way from the west coast to Boston, where the tour concludes on November 16th.

Along for the trek for all but the first two dates will be Mavis Staples, civil rights activist and Dylan’s one-time girlfriend/frequent collaborator who famously rejected his marriage proposal in the early 60s.

Dylan’s latest release is Triplicate, a three disc collection of covers of classic American songs.

Staples recently announced the upcoming If All I Was Was Black, a collaborative album with Jeff Tweedy, due November 17th via Anti-Records.

Texas acappella group Pentatonix have announced plans for a Christmas-themed tour in December via an Instragram video.

The tour will primarily focus on the east coast, but starts with three consecutive dates in Chicago (it also includes three-run stints in Boston and New York City) and will be in support of the quintet’s upcoming album, A Pentatonix Christmas Deluxe, a reissue of last year’s A Pentatonix Christmas, which will include 10 new songs.

A Pentatonix Christmas Deluxe is due October 20th through RCA Records.

Pentatonix are the recipients of three Grammy awards – winning Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella, in both 2015 and 2016 and Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2017 (along with Dolly Parton) for the group’s arrangement of Parton’s “Jolene.”

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